electrical
Heated Seat Module
for 2021 Honda Accord 1.5L I4 Turbo · FWD
Editorial review:Chris Hackleman — Master Technician · 20+ years · Jeff Moore — Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years
Difficulty
Moderate
Time
1.0 h
Tools
6
Steps
14
✓Expert-verified. Personally reviewed and approved by OLP's master technicians (Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — 20+ years each). Always follow the vehicle's factory service information and torque specs.
This procedure covers removal and replacement of the heated seat module on 2018-2024 Honda Accord models equipped with heated seats.
Warnings
⚠Disconnect the battery negative terminal and wait 3 minutes before beginning work to allow airbag system capacitors to discharge
⚠Do not force electrical connectors as they have locking tabs that must be released first
ℹ️The heated seat module is located under the front seats and may require moving the seat fully forward and backward for access
Tools required
10mm socket and ratchetEssential
Trim panel removal toolsEssential
T30 Torx driverEssential
Torque wrench (5-15 Nm range)Essential
Flashlight or work light
Shop vacuum
Parts
- Heated seat control module × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Plastic trim clips (if damaged) × 4 — 91512-SZ3-003
Preparation
- Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
- Disconnect the battery negative terminal and wait 3 minutes
- Move the front seat to the full forward position
- Allow interior to cool if vehicle has been in direct sunlight
Procedure
- 1Disconnect battery negative terminalUsing a 10mm socket, loosen the battery negative terminal bolt. Remove the terminal from the battery post and secure it away from the battery. Wait a minimum of 3 minutes before proceeding to allow airbag system capacitors to discharge.Torque specBattery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)
- 2Remove front seat trim coversUse trim panel removal tools to carefully pry up the front seat side trim covers on the affected seat. Start from the rear edge and work forward. These covers snap into place and may have clips that can break if forced. Set covers aside in a safe location.
- 3Access seat mounting boltsWith the seat in the full forward position, locate the two rear seat mounting bolts. These are T30 Torx bolts. You may need to pull back carpeting or insulation to access them fully. Do not remove the bolts yet, only identify their location.ℹ️Take photos of wire routing and connector positions before disconnecting anything for reassembly reference
- 4Remove rear seat mounting boltsUsing a T30 Torx driver, remove the two rear seat mounting bolts. Keep these bolts organized as they will be reused. Move the seat to the full rearward position.
- 5Remove front seat mounting boltsWith the seat in the full rearward position, locate and remove the two front seat mounting bolts using the T30 Torx driver. These bolts are the same as the rear mounting bolts.Torque specModule Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
- 6Tilt seat and access moduleCarefully tilt the seat backward to gain access to the underside. You may need an assistant to hold the seat or rest it against the center console. Locate the heated seat module, which is mounted to the seat frame with 10mm bolts and has a wiring harness connector.
- 7Disconnect heated seat module connectorLocate the electrical connector on the heated seat module. Press the locking tab and carefully disconnect the harness connector. Note the connector orientation and any wire routing clips for reassembly.
- 8Remove module mounting boltsUsing a 10mm socket, remove the module mounting bolts securing the heated seat module to the seat frame. There are typically two bolts. Keep these bolts as they will be reused.Torque specModule Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
- 9Remove heated seat moduleCarefully remove the heated seat module from the seat frame. Inspect the mounting location for any debris or damage. Clean the mounting surface if necessary before installing the new module.
- 10Install new heated seat modulePosition the new heated seat module in the mounting location on the seat frame, ensuring it is oriented correctly. Install the module mounting bolts finger-tight first, then torque to specification using a torque wrench.Torque specModule Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
- 11Reconnect module connectorConnect the wiring harness connector to the new heated seat module. Ensure the connector locks fully into place with an audible click. Verify all wire routing clips are secured and wires are not pinched or stretched.
- 12Reinstall seat to floorCarefully lower the seat back into position on the floor mounting points. Install the front seat mounting bolts first while the seat is in the rearward position, tightening them to specification. Then move the seat forward and install the rear mounting bolts, torquing to specification.Torque specModule Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
- 13Reinstall seat trim coversAlign the seat side trim covers with their mounting locations. Press firmly around all edges until all clips engage with an audible snap. Verify the covers are fully seated and flush with surrounding trim.
- 14Reconnect batteryReconnect the battery negative terminal to the battery post. Torque the terminal bolt to specification, being careful not to overtighten.⚠Do not overtighten battery terminal bolts as this can damage the terminal or battery postTorque specBattery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)
Reassembly
- Ensure all electrical connectors are fully locked and secured
- Verify all seat mounting bolts are torqued to specification before operating seat
- Check that no wires are pinched or routed incorrectly under the seat
Verification
- Turn ignition to ON position without starting engine
- Activate the heated seat controls and verify the indicator light illuminates on the switch
- After 2-3 minutes, carefully feel the seat surface to confirm heat is being generated
- Test both low and high heat settings if equipped
- Move the seat forward and backward through full travel to ensure no wire binding or unusual noises
- Verify no warning lights are displayed on the instrument cluster